Pat Brinkman

About Pat Brinkman

Pat Brinkman is an Assistant Professor and Extension Educator in Family and Consumer Sciences. She works to educate and empower children, youth and adults to elect healthy lifestyle choices. Having grown up on a farm, she enjoys gardening, cooking and finding or adapting recipes to be low in sugar and fat. OSU Buckeyes are her favorite team. Go Bucks!

September 24, 2018

Drink Water – Which One?

Walk in the grocery store and you can find ten different types of water on the shelf. Is one better than the other? Should I be sure to drink one or more of them? What are some of these waters? Plain Water This is tap water or well water. Tap water is tested to make […]

WRITTEN BY: Pat Brinkman, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension

REFERENCES:

Dow, C. (2018). Bodies of Water, Nutrition Action Health Letter. September 2018, 45(7). p. 7-9.
Zeratsky, K. (2018). Is Alkaline Water Better for You than Plain Water? Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/alkaline-water/faq-20058029
Zeratsky, K. (2016). What is Coconut Water and What’s Behind the Hype? Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/coconut-water/faq-20207812

June 11, 2018

SUMMER FOOD SAFETY DANGERS

Don’t accidentally invite an unwanted guest to your summer picnic or barbecue. With warmer temperatures, the risk for foodborne illnesses such as listeriosis increase. Listeriosis can produce flu-like symptoms and for normal healthy people is usually not much of a concern. However, it can be very dangerous for the elderly, newborns, pregnant women, or people […]

WRITTEN BY: Pat Brinkman, Ohio State University Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator, Fayette County

REVIEWED BY: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County

SOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017). Listeria Prevention. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention.html
Food Safety.Gov (2018). See Recent Recalls. Available at https://www.foodsafety.gov/recalls/recent/index.html
Mediros, L. (2015). Listeria Monocytogenes: A Concern for Pregnant Women and Older Adults. Ohio State University Extension Ohioline. Available at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-5562

March 26, 2018

What’s in Your Easter Basket?

Easter is the second biggest candy holiday in the United States, as 87% of Americans will buy or create an Easter basket. Total annual spending on Easter candy has been $2.1 billion with over 120 million pounds of Easter candy purchased. Over 70% of the candy purchased is chocolate and 16 billion jelly beans are […]

January 5, 2018

Safely Using Your Slow Cooker

Coming home on a cold evening to inviting smells of food from your slow cooker or “crock pot” makes us all feel so good. Slow cookers help less expensive, leaner cuts of meat become tender and shrink less, helping you have economical, healthy meals. With food cooking at lower temperatures, though, it is important to […]

WRITTEN BY: Pat Brinkman, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Fayette County

REVIEWED BY: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County

SOURCES:

Driessen, S. and Peterson-Vangsness, G. (2016). Slow cookers and food safety. University of Minnesota Extension. http://www.extension.umn.edu/food/food-safety/preserving/safe-meals/slow-cooker-safety/
Jeffers, M.K. (2017). Cook Slow to Save Time: Four Important Slow Cooker Food Safety Tips. https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/2017/10/cook-slow-to-save-time.html
USDA. (2013). Slow Cookers and Food Safety. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/appliances-and-thermometers/slow-cookers-and-food-safety/

August 29, 2017

Season It Up With Herbs!

Summer is filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. Be venturesome and use herbs to try some different flavors! Not only will the kitchen smell good, but it will give a different taste to your food. Try adding: dill or thyme to fresh green beans oregano or marjoram to broccoli garlic, onion, pepper and basil to […]

May 8, 2017

Ready for a Cookout?

This is the season for grilling out. Whether you prepare a whole meal on the grill or just part, make sure your cookout is safe by following these tips: C = Clean your grill by using a wire brush and wiping down with a cloth to make sure you don’t leave any bristles behind. Avoid leaving the […]